Carbon capture and storage reduces the environmental impact of CO2 emissions. For long-term carbon storage, liquefied CO2 is injected into porous sedimentary rock. Western Saudi Arabia lacks these sedimentary rocks, making traditional carbon storage impossible.

Through new techniques researched by KAUST, industries in western Saudi Arabia can store CO2 emissions more efficiently and cost effectively. This will help Saudi Arabia meet its goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 278 million tons by 2030.

KAUST researchers are adapting a successful Icelandic project (Carbfix) that stores CO2 in basalt and mafic rock formations instead of sedimentary rocks. These basalt rock formations are common in western Saudi Arabia. Researchers are identifying the best sites to use in the region that are also close to industries in the west.